THE former Hearts defender, Marius Zaliukas, who is currently a free agent, is set to be snapped up by Ally McCoist as he continues his summer spending spree to bolster the Gers for a tough Championship campaign.

Ally McCoist is set to make former Hearts defender Marius Zaliukas his fourth summer signing.

The Ibrox boss has already seen enough to believe the Lithuanian can strengthen Rangers for their assault on the Championship.

Zaliukas, who is a free agent after his contract at Leeds was cancelled, is set to play in the Ibrox side’s pre-season friendly against Brora today.

McCoist wants to sit down with the player and the Gers board to thrash out a deal.

The 30-year-old knocked Gers back in favour of a switch to Elland Road 12 months ago but McCoist looks like he’s got his man at the second attempt to join new signings Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller and Darren McGregor.

McCoist said: “I’ve certainly seen enough already that convinces me we need to sign him. I’d imagine we’ll sit down early next week and try and get something done.

“He looks fine in training and we like the look of him as player. I’d like to get a look at him in a game. I just need to confirm that we can play him against Brora.”

McCoist is still on the hunt for more players but admits he might need to offload some of the current squad to be able to sign Don Cowie from Cardiff.

Cowie has rejected a deal at City which has opened the door for McCoist but the boss said: “We are interested in Don. It all depends on what kind of budget is left before we can take it further.”